We had the good fortune of connecting with Gen Leggett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Going back about twelve years ago, I was on a trip to Carmel in with my husband. It was there that I came up with the idea of developing a visual system that would allow me and others to discover the best outdoor recreational locations and activities in an area. Up until that time, I was frustrated at being in a new place and the difficulty I had in finding places to explore.

Everything I saw online was data-forward and provided me no emotional tie to connect to places. I didn’t know people in the areas, so I often relied on a concierge from the hotels we stayed at for advice, which usually was subpar. It was then that I dreamed up a video atlas. I knew that if I could see the places and experiences of others, I would have that intuitive connection to discern which places to go to and explore.
The idea percolated and I launched a website a couple of years later. However, the technology wasn’t quite there yet, as it proved too time-consuming for users to upload videos. In the fall of 2020, my daughter Peyton (then a senior at the University of Colorado) approached me to try again and help build out my dream for the New Venture Challenge the school holds every year. Our mutual love for nature led us to develop the Nature’s Playbook app, and we’ve never looked back

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always had a love for the outdoors. It goes back to my childhood when my dad, Ed Glancy, would take us out nearly every weekend. I grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and we explored the wonders of Florida and the unique ecosystems of the area. I call my dad ‘Florida’s biggest fan,’ and he showed us the state’s natural treasures. We frequently visited beaches, the Everglades, parks, the Florida Keys, orange groves, and natural springs. We observed sea life, flamingos, manatees, and the diverse vegetation and wildlife in the area. These experiences were instilled in me and helped me to develop a lifelong love and profound reverence for nature.

So naturally, I passed this love of nature down to my children. Eventually, my daughter Peyton Relkin and I developed the Nature’s Playbook app so others could not only see where we’ve been, but they could post their own stories, tips, and adventures of their favorite places. This information of one’s first-hand experiences in a location coupled with a video is truly valuable to someone who has never been to the area. Our app is full of videos with descriptions of places and great tips from the contributors, such as where to find a trailhead, local outfitters and other activities in the area.
Additionally, Peyton and I understand that local communities of people and businesses have a wealth of information that benefit those who are visiting or looking to visit. Often unless you know someone, it’s difficult to tap into that wisdom that only locals can give because they live, work and play there. Peyton and I continue to focus on ways to share local insights with those looking to visit that will benefit both the community and local businesses ,as well. On the visitor side, we believe that most people want to interact with nature and communities respectfully. So we give eco tips to protect the beautiful outdoor places that we all enjoy and we encourage users to pass on what will help to make the next visitors experience a great one. Every time someone makes a post, they are paying it forward to their host community and those who visit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Carlsbad, CA, which is north San Diego, and there are several places I recommend people seeking outdoor adventures should visit while they are in the area. Here are a few of my “Gen’s Gems” in San Diego County:

• Swamis Beach in Encinitas. It’s high on the cliff with stunning views of the Pacific and the golden beach below. It is the iconic surfer beach of North County San Diego. It is a local community beach that isn’t overly touristy. It has incredible views of the coastline towards the south. It boasts underwater gardens in its tidal pools and captivating marine life. One time, I saw an octopus! I’ve also seen whales off the coast, porpoises, seals and even a shark.
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. It is the most iconic place to watch a sunset in San Diego. Its rugged terrain has majestic cliffs that offer amazing views, but once the sun starts to set, the cliffs and everything with it become golden! The sun’s reflection on the cliffs and the water is something to behold. I love seeing the silhouettes of the surfers on the waves and the people enjoying the area.
• La Jolla Cove. This is special because it boasts different experiences in a relatively small area. The beach nestled into the cove where it gets its name is a favorite for beachgoers; the waters are often calmer because of the sandstone cliffs surrounding them. Seals and sea lions dot the coastline; you can witness seals and their pups at nearby Children’s Pool. The trees in the adjacent park are a favorite among children who like to climb. I brought my kids there when they were little; now, my grandsons are the climbers.
• Sea Cliff Coastal Bluff Trail. I love this trail because it embodies the surf culture of Southern California. It has dramatic sculptured cliffs, the Pacific and colorful yet rugged vegetation.
• Torrey Pines State Park. This is a popular place to hike, walk and run. The trails here offer incredible views, and you can hike to the beach to enjoy a trail and beach experience. The native bushes, cacti, and flowers make the trails beautiful at every turn.
• Elfin Forest in North County. This is also a great place to hike. Live Oak trees are along a creek that you traverse to start your ascent uphill, bringing you beautiful views of Lake Hodges and views from the ocean to inland. The plants and bushes have seasonal blooms of blue, red, yellow and purple.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My daughter, who helped create the app with me, Peyton Relkin.

Website: https://www.naturesplaybook.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natures_playbook/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU6YVAaHq8SqzBTh631VRNA

Other: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/natures-playbook/id1635332417

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.